Remember that bizarre orb-like device that Google unveiled with the original Nexus 7 back in June 2012?

Although we’ll most likely never see another version of that awkward little orb, the Nexus Q, there is some good news for those that actually own one.

While the device originally shipped with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, there wasn’t another update for it as Google pretty much marked it internally as a failure— or at least marked it as a device that needed a bit more R&D.

Now, XDA forum member hharte has released a nearly perfect build of Android 4.4 KitKat based on CyanogenMod. Current issues include WLAN and audio w/ Google Music. Either way, there isn’t really any reason why you shouldn’t want to upgrade to this experimental version of KitKat. Hit up the developmental thread in the source link below to get going.

With the Google Nexus Q all but abandoned by Google, CyanogenMod and the rest of his team have worked hard to give it some life to the few that actually do own the device. A nightly build for the device has been made available to the masses and provides some added features that definitely prove useful such as the ability to access some apps. If you’re interested in trying this out hit up the source link for a download!

Google has removed the Nexus Q from the Nexus landing page. Couple that with its Google Play Store listing which notes, “This device is not for sale at this time,” and it paints a rather bleak future for the media streaming device. Google had originally said it postponed the July launch while it worked on “making it even better” and gave it away for free to those who pre-ordered. A Nexus Q launch in the near future now seems extremely unlikely.

The only word from Google on the matter didn’t shed much light on the subject either.In response to an Engadget inquiry Google said, “We don’t have anything to share at this time.”

Good news for Google Music fans. The latest update brings a few enhancements that you might find useful. First, if you’re sporting a Jelly Bean device, you’ll enjoy expanded notifications. Check out the screenshot above from my Nexus 7. You can collapse the notification with a two-finger swipe up and get a more compact entry, or two-finger swipe back down to expand it again. Great to see Google embracing Jelly Bean’s new notification improvements.

If you happen to be one of the few Nexus Q embracers, you’ll be happy to see a convenient link to Q settings from the Google Music settings menu. Not a major feature, but appreciated nonetheless.

Probably the best new feature, at least in my opinion, is Google TV support. Yes, now you can legitimately install and use Google Play Music on a Google TV device. The old version always listed Google TV devices as incompatible in the Play Store, which to me was quite surprising.

Of course, now that it runs on my Sony Google TV set top box, I have to wonder if I’ll use my Nexus Q less. Playing my Google Music was the main thing I did with my Q since it was the easiest way to pipe my music through my entertainment center. Not so any more. Perhaps that’s why it took Google this long to add Google TV support… business reasons. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter now, and I’m happy.

All this sound good to you? Click the download link or scan the QR code below to grab the update.

There’s no question that Google’s Nexus 7 tablet is a success. Google and ASUS have managed to create something extremely compelling for such a low price point. Typically, when I spend $199 on a device of this nature, I’m not expecting it to be a premium, high-end device. But the Nexus 7 has proven itself to be not only a serviceable tablet, but something that belies its budget price tag.

Since receiving my Nexus 7 at Google I/O this year, I have noticed a shift in my device use habits as the 7-incher has wedged itself right smack dab in the middle of my daily use patterns. How has adding a device to my daily routine changed how I interact with all my other devices? First, I should list out the devices I use on a daily basis. I currently have an HTC Evo 4G LTE phone, and a Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi 10.1-inch tablet. The use of these two devices in particular has been impacted by the Nexus 7. I also have a Sony NSZ-GS7 Google TV set-top box, and a Nexus Q.

Hit the break to find out how the Nexus 7 has impacted my Android device usage.

You know how Google recently stated that everyone who pre-ordered a Nexus Q would be getting it for free after they update it to be more useful? Well count yourself as lucky if you are one of those folks because we’re hearing from our sources that the number of pre-orders were… well, quite small.

Just how small? Try less than 1,000. Heck, how about less than 900? Yes, we’re getting tips from our anonymous sources in-the-know that one reason Google is just handing these out for free is that there aren’t that many that they need to give away.

Frankly, this is a smart move on Google’s part, regardless of the number of pre-orders. It doesn’t cost them much and it’s really good P.R. for the company as well as for the device. And let’s face it, the Nexus Q needs all the help it can get with all the fairly negative reviews it’s been getting. Even I gave it an “enthusiasts only” rating.

Now let’s hope these updates make this little duck-pin bowling ball something to be proud of!

In a stunning twist, Google has indefinitely delayed the launch of their Nexus Q device. While it’s bad news for some that were eager to get their hands on it, it’s great news for the customers that pre-ordered the device. Google sent out an e-mail to the customers who pre-ordered stating that they’re extending their “Nexus Q preview” and giving the device for free.

This is a wonderful PR move by the search giant considering they promised a July launch for the Nexus Q. Due to the delay, it only makes sense to extend the developer preview from Google IO attendees to the folks that pre-ordered who are expecting the device by now. There’s no time table on when Google plans on launching the device, but we’ll be sure to inform you once we know. Did any of you guys pre-order the Nexus Q? If so, I’m sure this is wonderful news for you! You can read the official e-mail from Google after the break.

Google promised that the Nexus Q was compatible with Android 2.3.3 and higher, but every since Google I/O, it only worked for Jelly Bean devices. Google finally updated the app to support these older devices so everyone on Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread (2.3.3+) can now control the Nexus Q. In addition Google updated YouTube which brings Nexus Q support to older Android devices plus the ability to turn your phone into a remote to play videos on other devices. Last but not least, they updated Play Movies & TV for faster downloading and a playback fix for some LG devices. Hit the break for download links

It was only a couple days ago that Google’s Nexus Q was finally listed as “in stock” from the Google Play store and in a blink of an eye she’s gone again. Whether the demand was so high that stock was drained almost overnight or there was some sort of production glitch, either way, the social media streamer is once again listed as shipping “soon.” If you have been holding out on ordering a new Nexus Q it looks like you are going to have to wait another 2-3 weeks for shipping if you decide to bite the bullet any time soon. In the meantime, if you haven’t made up your mind on whether or not the Q is for you, you should check out our full hands-on review and we’ll be sure to let you know once more stock becomes available.

Looks like Google has made the Nexus Q available once again. The media streaming orb can be yours for just $299 and will ship in 3-5 days. Personally, I would love to have this little gem in all the rooms at my house, but I can’t justify spending $300 bucks for each one! Hit the break for a quick video and decide for yourself!